# V explained — Dodsworth > Chapter companion for Dodsworth by Sinclair Lewis. ## What happens On the transatlantic voyage, Sam Dodsworth meets Major Clyde Lockert, a British cocoa planter, and introduces him to Fran. Fran is initially dismissive but becomes captivated by Lockert's confident and teasing manner. Their conversation explores American and English snobbery, and Fran's attraction to Lockert grows as Sam watches, feeling both pride and unease. Sam revels in the freedom of the journey, seeing it as a new beginning. ## Themes in this chapter ### American Identity and Expatriation Fran and Lockert debate American and English snobbery, with Fran expressing disdain for typical American tourists while Lockert critiques both nations. ### Marriage and Disillusionment Sam's joy in the voyage and his pride in Fran contrast with his growing unease as she becomes absorbed in Lockert's attention, hinting at future tensions. ### Social Class and Snobbery The conversation between Fran and Lockert centers on class attitudes, with Lockert accusing Americans of being more snobbish than the English. ## Character check-ins ### Sam Dodsworth Sam enjoys the ship and the sense of adventure, introduces Lockert to Fran, and feels proud of her but also uncertain about her reactions. ### Fran Dodsworth Fran is initially cool toward Lockert but becomes engaged and flattered by his attention, showing a youthful eagerness and a willingness to be dominated. ### Major Clyde Lockert Lockert is a confident, worldly Englishman who teases Fran about American snobbery and quickly establishes a rapport with her, dancing and conversing easily. ## Key lines > I think I should be glad of a nice striped snake, for a change! I'm terribly fed up with the sound, safe American cities where you never find anything in your chair more thrilling than the morning paper. Fran expresses a desire for excitement and danger, contrasting it with the dullness of American life. _Fran's flirtatious remark to Lockert reveals her restlessness and attraction to the exotic._ > I know only two classes of people who hate their own race—or tribe or nation or whatever you care to call it—who travel principally to get away from their own people, who never speak of them except with loathing, who are pleased not to be taken as belonging to them. That is, the Americans and the Jews! Lockert claims that Americans and Jews are the only groups who travel to escape their own identity and are ashamed of it. _This provocative statement challenges Fran's self-image and sets the tone for their intellectual sparring._ > This is the greatest day of my life—next to my marriage, of course, Sam feels that the voyage is a peak experience, second only to his wedding day. _Sam's enthusiasm underscores his sense of liberation and new beginnings._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/v - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dodsworth_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters